The SEANC View

Latest Episodes:

EMPAC Passes on Incumbent Races — Inside the Decision Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

On this episode, SEANC Political Strategist Flint Benson and EMPAC Statewide Chair Junior Hulen explain how SEANC’s member-driven political arm (EMPAC) makes endorsements, why this year they avoided races with incumbents, and how they support chosen candidates with boots-on-the-ground activity.

They also break down key North Carolina legislative races to watch, offer election timelines (registration deadline Oct 9, early voting begins Oct 15), and urge members to check vote.seanc.org and make a plan to vote on November 3.

WakeMed-Atrium Merger Clears Commissioner Vote Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

On Monday, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted 5–2 to advance parts of the WakeMed–Atrium merger after weeks of secret meetings, a large public rally, and a late statement from the governor. Community groups led by the Patients Union and the Justice Center protested the process and warned the deal will raise prices, reduce charity care, and erode local control.

The transfer still faces federal and state reviews, but residents and county leaders remain sharply divided over transparency, the contract’s terms, and the future of affordable care in North Carolina.

State Health Plan reaches deal, WakeMed merger vote Monday Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

Hosts recap the convention highlights, a new agreement allowing select Atrium hospitals into the State Health Plan access tier, and concerns about coverage and costs.

The episode also features an in-depth interview with the Patients Union Executive Director Jamila Headley and Ron Stephens about the proposed WakeMed–Atrium merger, public records and transparency issues, and calls to action for a Monday rally.

SEANC Convention Live: Excellence in Action! Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

The SEANC View team records live from Greensboro at the 42nd Annual Scenic Convention, introducing speakers and previewing the packed agenda, including reports, nominations, and a remembrance for 9/11.

The episode covers the controversy over Atrium’s proposed takeover of WakeMed and its potential cost impact on state employees, North Carolina's poor rankings for worker protections and healthcare, concerns about privacy and Flock cameras, and quick convention updates and takes from hosts.

WakeMed-Atrium vote looms as Convention week arrives Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley and Samantha Cline rush through a packed episode ahead of the convention, leading with the big WakeMed–Atrium merger story and its financial and cost implications for North Carolinians.

They also cover high-paid university staff, a rabies scare at traveling petting goats, tributes to Dolly Parton, local politics, and a lighthearted roundabout question about personal obsessions.

Gov. Stein weighs in on WakeMed/Atrium merger Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

We open by reacting to Dolly Parton’s death, her impact as a songwriter, and calls to donate to the Imagination Library. Then turn to the WakeMed–Atrium proposal, concerns about rising health costs, the upcoming Wake County commissioners vote, and what the merger could mean for patients and employees.

The episode also previews the SEANC convention, highlights state service awards and salary stories, and closes with the question of the week asking listeners for their favorite Dolly Parton song.

Big changes are coming to the state's HR law Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

This week, we sit down with State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer to unpack the Public Workforce Modernization Act, the most comprehensive update of the State Human Resources Act, the law governing how state government hires, pays, and manages its workforce, since the 1960s. SEANC worked hard to make sure it came out favorable to employees.

Meyer explains hiring reforms, expanded parental and veterans leave, pay and flexibility options for agencies, grievance and probation updates, and how the state plans to implement modern HR policies while treating AI as a tool to enhance — not replace — human work.

Atrium Takeover of WakeMed Sparks Community Outcry Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

The proposed Atrium–WakeMed merger has sparked serious concern among Raleigh residents and the 748,000 state employees and retirees covered by the State Health Plan, which could see significant premium increases if the deal goes through. This week we spoke with Nathan Foster of the NC Justice Center and Anthony Pope of Men of Southeast Raleigh about what this merger would mean for the people who depend on WakeMed most.

We discuss the potential impacts on costs and access to care, Atrium's history with medical debt and legal tactics, the secrecy surrounding the deal, the county commission process, and how you can take action — including at Monday's public hearing before the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

Retirement system makes huge gains, so where are the COLAs? Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

North Carolina's pension fund had a strong year. The fund earned an estimated $17 billion and returned 12.4% for the year ending June 30. So why aren't retirees getting COLAs?

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins and Samantha Cline discuss this issue as they break down the week in state politics. They discuss the Atrium–state health plan standoff and its impact on premiums, and rising concerns over Social Security funding.

They also cover local fallout from the state budget (Wake County schools), a summer cyclosporiasis outbreak, DMV staffing and technology updates, and the growing debate over hemp-derived THC products and Gen Z consumption trends

Dolly Parton's library gets funding, and the State Health Plan meets with Atrium Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

This episode covers the legislature's return and the 51-page Technical Corrections Bill that restored funding for some departments, extended Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and included incentives for major sporting events, while the House prepares to take up the bill.

We also discuss new election bills that shrink early voting, the escalating state health plan conflict with Atrium over pricing and network access, concerns about hospital and pension practices, Gen Z voting trends, and the podcast’s new AI chatbot feature.

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